finding resources elsewhere

As you wander around Paris and stumble onto more and more ads on the side of beautiful buildings being renovated, including government buildings, you understand that they must need money. In, NYC there are ads everywhere. Sometimes, there are ads in places they aren't really supposed to be, but hey it's NYC! This is common in NYC, but not in Paris. Government subsidies to maintain buildings here in Paris must be dwindling due to the ever spreading economic crisis.

The first ad I saw like this was on the side of the conciergerie. They must have received a lot of complaints, because recently there was a new ad with the explanation that it is helping to finance the project. I don't have a picture of the apple ad, but it was HUGE and looked as if the building was wrapped up in a big, white sheet that had a picture of an ipad. It just looked extremely out of place. Ads have improved as they now sketch the building on the ad as well. Instead of seeing the renovations, the ad covers the scaffolding and looks as close to the actual building as possible. It's a compromise I can live with.

The other morning I was walking to the rive gauche and saw an ad on the side (quai des tuileries) of the Louvre.

On rue Montorgueil they are tending to an old building which is a restaurant on the ground level. I think the building is considered historic and am happy to see them doing the much needed renovations. I'm curious to see it when it's finished. I don't know if you see well (sorry for the sloppy pic), but the ad is for martini. And it's HUGE! If you look at the building on the other side, you'll see the ad is almost 2 stories tall.

I don't think using the ads to generate money for renovating buildings is a bad idea. I just hope it stops there and ads keep their usual space in the metros, on the columns on the street corners; but not on the beautiful buildings with striking architecture, which are meant to be seen.

2 of a kind...

... because I like symmetry!

How sweet is this!?!

Don't know if they were twins or just best friends ... sweet! 

* This box filled with gateaux des Marocs (Moroccan pastries) was given to me by 2 students whose lessons ended recently. I went to their company 2 times a week to give them lessons. I really enjoyed teaching them. It was such a nice, thoughtful gesture that I really appreciated. 

Brunch Americain

Last weekend, we went to renoma cafe for brunch with friends. We wanted an american style brunch and I really wanted pancakes. I usually don't like buffet style anything, but Renoma was a great place to have a nice brunch with friends. The buffet was well presented, full of choices and several fresh squeezed juices to choose from. You choose a main dish which is brought to you. I was disappointed with the pancakes, but I was full anyway. It's even open on Sundays. They seemed to be quite kid-friendly and had lots of space so you didn't feel like you were eating with your neighbors. The decor is fun and I loved the chairs.

Parfois il vaut mieux ne pas comprendre

On Sunday, we were walking around and happened to cross the path of a man who was speaking to a woman walking past him. I don't think he knew her, because she looked as if she was ignoring him. He said, "One day, I am going to put a bullet in your head." I had to ask Alex what he said exactly. I could tell by his tone he was being nasty, but I thought he said something about her butt. I guess there are times when it's really better to not understand.

Let's stay human on public transport

RATP, the company who runs the transportation system, has launched a new ad campaign. It's genius in its simplicity and extremely entertaining, for me anyhow. The purpose is to remind us to use our manners while riding the bus, or taking the subway. I rarely take the subway, but for the past 3 weeks I've been traveling by subway to just outside Paris for work. It's only 2 times per week. Actually, I take the subway and then hop on a bus. I have seen some of these ads while whizzing by in the train. In the metro the ads are in French bien sur, but there are catchy poems in English I found thanks to mon amie Google.

Talk at 86 decibels on a cell

Lose your secrets and friends as well

Spit gum Time on the floor

Soon it's under your shoes for sure

Jumping over Turnstile on the line

Will surely give you a fine

* cultural disclosure below

Sloths taking up too much space

Get scolded 2 or 3 times to their face

Stampeding people in the train

Doesn't represent a time gain

The best lesson of all appears on all of the campaigns just under the catchy slogan. Let's stay human on public transport. All in all, my experience has been quite positive on public transportation here. Well, except for the 2 grown ladies fist fighting over a seat on Monday morning.

*It's relatively common for people to jump over the turnstile to avoid paying for a ticket. The police almost never check. It's risky, because once or twice a year the police are actually in the subway checking. For 6 months of not paying, you might have to pay a minimal fine. I have been asked twice if the person can pass through with me so they don't have to pay. The first time I was surprised and I tried to respond, "I don't speak French." But, then he just asked me in English. So, I let him. 

Can you spot your treasure(s)?

When you have things you want to get rid of, but no garage to house it in during the sale. I don't do well at sales like these - I hate digging thorough all the crap to find the treasure. I'm sure I miss out on those precious never-knew-you-needed-or-never-knew-you'd-find-someone-actually-getting-rid-of-it objects for next to nothing. 

What Fall looks like around here

We have been experiencing dog days of summer. One last blast of heat, sun, and lovely weather here in Paris. The sun has been out for days. I love it! With sunny days comes lots of people out and about on the streets. The terraces on rue montorgueil are packed with people and streets holding the overflow. You can feel the energy in the people. This weather makes it necessary to get out and enjoy. Soak up the sun for winter is around the corner.

This week, I went to a photograph exhibition that was on my list of things to see/do. If you are interested, go here. The exhibition showcases photographers from all around the world and whose work is little known in Europe. My favorites were Edwin Koo, Singapore; Jim Allen Abel, Indonesia; Charles Lim, Simgapore; Alejandro Gonzalez, Cuba. I preferred the photos of people bringing to light struggles and exhiles from home due to political unrest. Their photographs really humanize these events.  I really recommend stopping by this exhibition which is outside on the quai along the seine. You should allow yourself at least 45 minutes to see the entire exhibition.

Next week, the kids lessons begin again. I do hope I'm ready. I am teaching at a private school once a week and my center on Sat mornings. For the private school kids,  I need to stuff my pockets with creativity. The kids are 8-10 going on 20. They are too into popular culture and fashion for what should be such a young carefree age. On verra as they say in French. We'll see.

reading on a bench with the view of the eiffel tower. Pas mal!

 

Madame L'Oiseaux (The Bird Lady)

Palais Royal

Can you feel the sun?

Fall window at Agatha @Place des Victoires

What does Fall look like where you are? Happy Fall! Happy Rosh Hashanah! Happy Vegetarian Day (Oct 1)! Sending lots of happiness, sunshine, and pumpkins your way!